"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."

I was born in the '50s and grew up in the turbulent '60s; a time of unrest, change and rebellion. The unpopular Vietnam War, women's lib and free love; you get the picture. I read Betty Friedan's book The Feminine Mystique and Cosmopolitan magazine.

Women were no longer going to be barefoot and pregnant but instead have equal rights with men. The workforce changed as more women tried to have it all; family and career.

During that time, I wasn't living a life of dependence on the Lord. I claimed to be a Christian as I had invited Jesus into my heart years earlier. In retrospect, Jesus was my Savior but He was not Lord of my life. Debbie was in charge and I was ...independent and strong.

I wasn't a Titus 2 woman, that's for sure.

I've since grown in my faith. I've learned what it is to walk with the Lord and to feel what it's like to be truly loved by God. He has done a work within my heart. I still have my mind, will and emotions but I choose to yield them to Him out of love. And what I've found is that ...there is great peace in that.

It's a peace I never knew when I went my own way, was concerned with my rights, and determined to be equal with any man.

What does it mean to be a Titus 2 woman?

Her life is characterized by love which comes from the close relationship she has with the Lord.

She's not dependent on her husband and/or children to fill her needs.

When her family does something wonderful, she loves it but isn't dependent on how they respond to feel significant or to be validated.

She realizes that she won't always have that "in love" feeling all the time with her husband but knows that love is a choice.

She shows respect to her husband and looks for ways she can verbally tell him so.

She has a daily quiet time for prayer and reading the Bible and ...listening.

She enjoys sharing lessons she's learned with the younger women but also learns from them.

She's a life long learner.

What is the general sense in the Christian community?

I've been encouraged by young Christian women who are living their lives in the power of the Holy Spirit. Many are home schooling their children so they can teach them Christian values.

What is the world's response?

I think many do not understand and think that we are narrow in our beliefs. Some think that we are being subservient to men and do not understand the strengths of men and women in a godly relationship. There are always Christians who pervert and take Scripture out of context for their own benefit. I think this is wrong and gives the wrong impression to the world.

What are the challenges as we pursue the mission of becoming a Titus 2 woman?

We need to put Romans 12:1-2 into practice. We offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God because of what Jesus did for us. And then we don't conform to the world's standards and patterns. Instead, we study His Word and allow Him to transform us ...from the inside out.

We yield our lives to Him so that He can do a work in us and through us to impact others. When we do this, His love overflows from us and others will notice the difference. And God gets the glory. Not Debbie, that's for sure.

Where do we find encouragement and support to press on?

I can tell you that I have been personally blessed and encouraged through blogging. I've met women of all ages who have a desire to live a Titus 2 life. We learn from one another. As we become more transparent in our blog posts, we identify with each other. I've received emails and prayer requests and I have to say how honored I am by this.

I've wanted to mentor younger women and the Lord has brought them right to my home through the internet. And at the same time, they teach me. How good is that? I am so encouraged by these women who already are so much more spiritually mature than I was at their age. My heart is warmed and encouraged for this next generation.

Wow; I never intended to write such a long post. I didn't realize I had so much to say about being a Titus 2 woman in today's culture. Don't forget to visit eLisa at Extravagant Grace to join in or read other's take on this topic.

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12 comments:

As I was reading your post, I must admit I was thinking, "this is kinda long." But frankly, it was very good and I read right to the end. I think it will help me as I minister to some of the young women in my church - loved the list of what it means to be a Titus 2 woman. Thanks, Debbie.

Debbie, I just LOVE you! You have such insight, such humility, such tenderness. I so appreciate your thoughts on this matter and the way you have been carrying out Titus 2 through you blog. Thank you for all your encouragement and wisdom. It is so wonderful!

Sorry for the delay in stopping by...real life community demanding attention in these parts.

Dear Debbie,I don't think you write too long, never.I think we have to dig deep to find clean water these days.There are too many easy solutions and too many superficial preachers.I like your "old fashioned" idea of being a Titus 2 woman.I am probably often too strong willed to submit to all Paul's directions.I have been blessed though, with a father, a brother and a husband of extraordinary qualities, and even though I may be rebellious sometimes, it's been easy for me to respect both my dad and my husband.I don't respect any man coming along though, and if I were to be a Titus 2 woman, I'd first and foremost teach the young women to choose their husbands with care.Does he posses the qualities making you want to love and cherish in sickness and health, for better and for worse?If you can't respect him while he's proposing, let him go. Too many marriages have wrecked because of short term thinking.

Most important are sharing values as belief and goals for life and eternity.How are his priorities and ethics in church, at work and at home?

These are things I discuss with my daughter, and these are things I'd like to think a Titus 2 woman need to make the younger women in church reflect about too.

Now this became a tremendous long comment.Hope it's ok, if not, just delete it. It's three in the morning, I should have been in bed long time ago.Were it not for Paul.From Felisol

I remember reading Titus 2 for the first time in high school - and wondering what it would be like to live it out. Now that I'm a wife and mom - I'm getting the chance - and whew - it can be kinda hard can't it? :)

But you know what helps? Ladies like you! You have been SUCH an encouragement to me! Your comments and your posts ALWAYS bring me closer to the Lord - and set me straight. I cherish your words and I'm SO thankful for you! Really I am!